GOV. MAKINDE OF OYO STATE SUES ABIA GOVERNOR, OTTI, FOR IMPOSING N200M PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN BILLBOARD FEE

Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), and the party have dragged Abia State Governor Alex Otti and other state authorities before the Abia State High Court over an alleged N200 million mandatory fee imposed on presidential candidates seeking to display campaign materials in the state.

The suit, marked HC/214/2026 and filed through their lawyer, Musibau Adetunbi, SAN, also lists the Abia State Attorney-General, Abia State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ASAA), and the State House of Assembly as defendants.

Makinde and the APM are challenging the fee as unconstitutional and contrary to the Electoral Act 2026. They are asking the court to set aside ASAA’s regulations imposing the N200 million charge and stop the defendants from enforcing the fee or removing, defacing, destroying or obstructing their campaign billboards and outdoor advertisements.

The plaintiffs argue that Section 99(2) of the Electoral Act prohibits state apparatus and regulatory bodies from being used to advantage or disadvantage any political party or candidate. They also contend that INEC, under the Constitution and Electoral Act, has exclusive authority to make rules governing political campaigns.

They further cited Section 92 of the Electoral Act, which caps presidential campaign expenditure at N10 billion nationwide, arguing that if states and the FCT imposed similar charges, billboard fees alone could consume over 80 per cent of the statutory limit.

While acknowledging that states have powers to regulate outdoor signage, the plaintiffs maintain that such powers cannot be exercised in a way that frustrates or overrides federal electoral laws. They are seeking a declaration that the N200 million fee is unconstitutional, inconsistent with federal legislation and null and void.

Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

Comments

TRENDING ON RWGBLOG NEWS

SLEEPING FOR NINE HOURS A NIGHT LINKED TO HIGHER RISK OF EARLY DEATH THAN GETTING LESS THAN SIX HOURS OF SLEEP - STUDY

Sleeping for nine hours or more every night could be linked to a higher risk of early de@th, according to a new study. Researchers tracked the sleeping habits of more than 3,000 people over 30 years and found that those who slept seven to eight hours nightly had the lowest mortality rate. The study recorded 10.57 de@ths per 1,000 people among those sleeping seven to eight hours. The figure rose slightly to 10.97 among those getting fewer than six hours of sleep, while people sleeping more than nine hours recorded the highest rate at 11.27 deaths per 1,000. The researchers said sleeping for longer was associated with a 17 per cent higher risk of dying from any cause, although the precise reasons remain unclear. They noted that people who sleep for longer may be more likely to have high blood pressure and increased inflammation, while excessive sleep could also affect the body’s internal clock, hormonal regulation and immune system. The Taiwanese researchers said sleep durati...

BREAKING NEWS: FUBARA EMERGES YPP GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE

Blessing Fubara has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Young Peoples Party (YPP) ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in Rivers State. Fubara, who previously sought the governorship ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), contested the party’s governorship primaries alongside Dumo Lulu-Briggs before later resigning his membership of the party. He has now joined the YPP race, where he will represent the party in the governorship election.

NIGERIANS ARE TELLING ME TO SLOW DOWN, THAT EVERYTHING IN THEIR FREEZER IS FREEZING - MINISTER OF POWER, JOSEPH TEGBE

Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has revealed that some Nigerians asked him to “slow down” efforts to improve electricity supply because their freezers were now working continuously. Tegbe made the disclosure on Wednesday in Abuja while commissioning a 3-megawatt solar hybrid power project at Yakubu Gowon University, formerly the University of Abuja. According to the Minister, some areas that previously went without electricity for months are now enjoying up to 18 hours of supply. “Places that didn’t have light at all for three months are now having 18 hours light. Some areas called me to say, look, I should slow down, that everything in their freezer is freezing. That is what freezer is meant to do. Let it freeze the food that needs to be frozen”, Tegbe said. He recalled promising during his Senate screening that Nigerians would begin to notice improvements in electricity supply within three to six months. However, Tegbe acknowledged that agein...

VICTOR TOMBARI PIDOMSON URGES OGONI YOUTHS TO CHANNEL ENERGY ON OIL RESUMPTION TOWARDS POLITICAL LIBERATION

Ogoni leader and political stakeholder, Victor Tombari Pidomson, has called on Ogoni youths to channel the same energy and determination being demonstrated in discussions around oil resumption towards achieving greater political representation and liberation for the Ogoni people. Sir Tombari made the call following his recent comments concerning the KAGOTE body, which attracted significant attention across Ogoni. He had urged KAGOTE to support the emergence of an Ogoni governor, arguing that such a position would demonstrate its commitment to the political and economic interests of the Ogoni people. “Ogoni youths should funnel the same vitality and grit we are exhibiting on oil resumption towards political liberation,” he said. According to Victor, securing greater political power is essential to achieving sustainable economic development in Ogoniland. He further stressed that having an Ogoni person occupy the governorship would provide the people with greater access t...

BREAKING NEWS: VETERAN NOLLYWOOD ACTOR OLU JACOBS HAS DI£D AT THE AGE OF 84

Veteran Nollywood actor and theatre icon, Olu Jacobs, has reportedly passed away at the age of 84. According to an announcement attributed to his family, the legendary actor died on September 16, 2026, with the family appealing to the public and the media to respect their privacy as they mourn their beloved patriarch. Olu Jacobs was one of Nigeria’s most respected actors, with a career spanning several decades across theatre, television and film. Renowned for his commanding screen presence, distinctive voice and memorable performances, he became one of the most recognisable figures in the Nigerian entertainment industry. Over the years, Jacobs featured in numerous Nigerian and international productions and received several honours in recognition of his contribution to acting and the creative industry. His remarkable career and influence helped shape generations of Nigerian actors and contributed significantly to the growth of Nollywood and Nigerian theatre. May his soul res...

IBOM FEAST 2026: RIVERS STATE SET TO HOST A GRAND CELEBRATION OF AKWA IBOM CULTURE

Sound Palace Events is set to host IBOM FEAST 2026, a major cultural and entertainment festival described by the organisers as one of the biggest gatherings of its kind in Rivers State. The event will bring together Akwa Ibom indigenes and non-Akwa Ibomites for a memorable celebration filled with food, culture, entertainment and togetherness. According to the organisers, IBOM FEAST 2026 will feature exciting entertainment, traditional cultural displays, live musical performances, food and other activities designed to create an unforgettable experience for attendees. The festival is scheduled to hold on November 22, 2026, at Verde Garden, opposite Elekahia Stadium, by Elekahia Housing Estate, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. For enquiries and more information, call: +234 803 689 8060

BREAKING: OGONI MAN BUILDS NIGERIA'S FIRST FUEL-FREE TRICYCLE

An Ogoni innovator has developed what is being described as Rivers State’s first indigenous fuel-free tricycle, introducing a homegrown innovation with the potential to contribute to the future of transportation in the state and beyond. Known as the Nwinnabu Electric Tricycle, the innovation is designed to operate without conventional petrol fuel, offering an alternative approach to mobility while highlighting the possibilities of locally developed technology. The development is attracting attention not only because of its fuel-free operation, but also because it demonstrates the growing capacity of indigenous innovators in Ogoniland and the wider Niger Delta to develop practical solutions to everyday challenges. The Nwinnabu Electric Tricycle represents an effort to explore cleaner and potentially more economical transportation options at a time when the cost of petrol and transportation continues to affect individuals, businesses and communities. Beyond transportation, th...

ELEME CHAIRMAN MUST ANSWER QUESTIONS OVER ALLEGED SAFE HAVEN FOR ARMED ATTACKERS - PRINCE DIVINE MANSON BARIFODUM

Prince Divine Manson Barifodum has called on the Chairman of Eleme Local Government Area, Chief Obarilomate Ollor, to address allegations concerning the presence of armed men and suspected bandits around Agbalor/Ebubu, amid growing security concerns in communities along the Eleme–Tai axis. Barifodum, in a statement on the security situation, alleged that armed groups operating around Agbalor/Ebubu may have been involved in attacks on neighbouring Ogoni communities. He called for an immediate investigation into the allegations, stressing that the claims should not be ignored or treated as established facts without proper investigation by the relevant authorities. According to him, communities around the Eleme–Tai axis have continued to face concerns over alleged armed attacks, killings and displacement, with community accounts claiming that more than 30 Ogoni people may have lost their lives in incidents allegedly linked to armed herders or bandits. Barifodum said the report...

THOSE OF US WHO RECENTLY GOT BBLS ARE SUFFERING; THERE'S NO GAIN IN IT ANYMORE. THE BIG BOYS DON'T EVEN NOTICE US - JUDAS LAMENTS

Nigerian content creator, Judas The Bead Maker, has reflected on the perceived decline in the benefits associated with having a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) in recent years. Judas, while speaking about people who underwent the procedure between 2024 and 2026, said those who got their BBLs years ago had more opportunities to enjoy the attention and financial benefits that came with having a curvier figure. “Nobody has suffered as much as those of us who did BBL in 2024, 2025 and 2026. All we do now is to explain and explain because the streets are no longer the same. There’s no gain anymore,” she said. She added “You see the people who did their BBL way back? Those are the ones who enjoyed it because at that time, boys were hot, ballers were around. You could do your BBL, enter the streets and enjoy,” she said. According to her, people who undergo the procedure now have to create content and find other ways to make money from their appearance. “But now, there’s nothing anymore....

HISTORY MADE: DR. CELESTINE AKPOBARI BUILDS FIRST KEN SARO-WIWA LEGACY HALL IN KAANI, OGONILAND

History Was Made In Bua Kaani as the Renowned environmental activist Dr. Nnimmo Bassey officially commissioned the Ken Saro-Wiwa Legacy Hall in Kaani, a landmark facility built by Comrade Celestine AkpoBari PhD, Founder, Miideekor Development Initiative to strengthen the struggle for environmental justice in the Niger Delta. The inauguration was the highlight of the 2026 Wisdom Gathering, hosted at the newly established Miideekor Ecological Knowledge and Action Centre by the Health of Mother Earth Foundation. In a show of royal and community support, His Royal Highness, Mene Barikpoa Godwin Apere was fully present to receive the environmental giant, an Icon, Rev Nnimmo Bassey and to witness the commissioning of the Miideekor ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE AND ACTION CENTRE, KAANI. His presence underscored the role of traditional leadership in safeguarding land, culture, and the environment. The event also featured the unveiling of the Nnimmo Bassey War Room for Ecolo...

Search For The RwGBlog News You Miss